Have you noticed that your voice has started to quiver or sound hoarse when you’re at work or out to dinner with friends at The Local? If it only happens occasionally, it’s likely nothing to worry about. However, if you are having persistent issues, it could be a sign you have a voice disorder.
What are the Signs of a Voice Disorder?
There are many different voice disorders, and your symptoms will depend in part on what kind you have. Signs you may have a voice disorder include a voice that:
- Quivers
- Sounds hoarse
- Sounds strained
- Is weak or breathy
- Suddenly changes in pitch
Other signs that may indicate a problem include:
- Pain or tightness in your throat when speaking
- Lump in your throat when swallowing
- Pain when touching your throat
- Your voice feels tired
Voice Disorders Are Common
Research indicates that approximately 1 in 13 adults in the United States are affected by a voice disorder each year. However, many of those people do not seek treatment for those conditions.
Some of the more common voice disorders, or causes of voice disorders, include:
- Laryngitis
- Vocal cord paralysis
- Spasmic dysphonia
- Growths or polyps
- Thyroid disorders
- Inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords due to GERD, illness, injury or other causes
- Nerve conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease
- Vocal strain from shouting or coughing
- Smoking
How to Treat Voice Disorders
If your doctor suspects a voice disorder, they will likely refer you to an ENT specialist who will examine your vocal cords and larynx to determine the problem.
Depending on what they find, they may recommend:
- Lifestyle changes such as resting your voice, exercising your vocal cords and staying hydrated.
- Speech therapy can help you change speaking behaviors that may be harmful to your voice. A speech therapist can also teach you certain breathing exercises that will help your voice sound more powerful.
- Medication to treat conditions like acid reflux or thyroid disorders that are contributing to your voice problems.
- Surgery to remove any growths. If the growth is cancerous, you may need additional treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy.
If you’ve noticed any changes in your voice and wish to make an appointment with one of our specialists, contact Blue Ridge ENT today.